Program Details
What: The Bushkids Program is an on-the-Land learning initiative based in Yellowknife, NT. Developing healthy relationships with ourselves, each other, and the Land is one of the primary principles of Bushkids. To support this, children learn in their natural environment using an inquiry-based and play-based learning approach.
Why: Emergent and holistic learning helps create space for creativity and safe risk-taking. Learning and playing outside can help to reduce stress and increase patience, confidence, capacity for attention, social skills and concentration. The Expert Statement from the 2018 Participaction Report Card on Physical Activity and Brain Health for Children and Youth says “for better brain health, all children and youth should be physically active on a regular basis. In addition to physical health benefits, physical activity also improves cognition, brain function and mental health“.
Age: 5-11
Location: In the forest behind the Fieldhouse
Schedule: Tuesdays, 9:00 – 3:00 (Sept to Dec session and Jan to April session, dates to be confirmed)
Fee: $840 + $42 (GST) = $882 for 12 sessions *
Educators: Wendy Lahey, Michelle Krutko, Joanne Krutko, Rachel Vander Veen, Rachel Cluderay, Noni Paulette, Russell Mercredi, Edna Paul (Elder), Brenda Dragon (cultural advisor), Chloe Dragon Smith and Robert Grandjambe of Beb[a]ski (advisors on all things!), other local knowledge holders and Elders
Program Waitlist
While we would love to accept everyone into Bushkids, due to our limited capacity we are only able to accept a small number into the Program. Because of this, only those who have received confirmation by email from us can register.
If you have not received confirmation to register by email from Bushkids (but still wish to be considered for future sessions), you should add your child to our waitlist. As spots open up, we will contact those on this list.
It is important to read the following letter from Bushkids before you add your child’s name to the waitlist.
Program Sponsors – Winter/Spring Session 2024
